Garmin 2610-2620 vs. 7200 vs. Garmin NuVi 350 . Which to buy for MH and toad?

[arthurval]

Garmin 2610, 2620, 7200 or Garmin NuVi-350(new?)Would appreciate any comments or advice. Want to use in motorhome and then transfer to toad (Honda Accord) when on our side trips. Would also use in car when not out camping. Thanks in advance to all who respond.. Art

[arthurval]

Garmin 2610, 2620, 7200 or Garmin NuVi-350(new?)Would appreciate any comments or advice. Want to use in motorhome and then transfer to toad (Honda Accord) when on our side trips. Would also use in car when not out camping. Thanks in advance to all who respond.. Art

[RustyJC]

I can only comment on the 2610 and 2620. As you probably know, the 2620 uses micro hard disc (MHD) storage and has the capacity to store maps for all of North America internally. The 2610 can be modified to do this with a 2GB CF memory card, but the standard memory card that comes with it does not have that capacity. The 2610 is, however, more vibration tolerant making it the preferred GPS of the two for use on motorcycles.

I use the 2620 (with a special vibration-absorbing mount) on my motorcycle as well as in the truck and my wife's SUV. I like it as well or better than the OEM Alpine DVD-based GPS that came in my Acura 3.2TL-S. The Garmin mapping software is much more detailed and complete.

Sorry I can't be of more help with the newer ones.

Rusty

[LandHo]

Others have commented that the 7200 is too large to place on top of the dash of the toad...

I have the 2610 and it works very good for me.

[arthurval]

I am probably going to buy the Garmin Nuvi-350. Anybody have experience with it?? Art

[Gary RVRoamer]

Nope, no Nuvi experience. I have a 2620 but cannot say I am real enthused about it. I had a Street Pilot III before this and thought the 2620 would be a marked improvement, but it's not much different.

And I don't trust the routings without verifying every step of the way - too often it tries to send me and my 36 foot motorhome down some goat track or other bizarre path. Last week it was insisting on some 35 mile detour OFF a major interstate and out into the boonies and I could never figure out why. Grrr!

I recently saw a favorable report on the Lowrance iWay 500c. There's also a 350c.

[RustyJC]

Gary,

If you ask for "shortest distance" and don't restrict the road selection in your preference configurations, that will happen for sure. In effect, it's doing exactly what you're asking.

Rusty

[rebelsbeach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RustyJC:
Gary,

If you ask for "shortest distance" and don't restrict the road selection in your preference configurations, that will happen for sure. In effect, it's doing exactly what you're asking.
Rusty </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gosh I HATE when that happens....

[RustyJC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rebelsbeach:
Gosh I HATE when that happens.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Yeah, you'd think that they would be smart enough to build these things to do what I WANT it to do, NOT what I TELL it to do!!

Rusty

[arthurval]

I researched and then bought the Garmin Nuvi 350. Cost(inc. s&h) was $625.00. I think it is great. Nice switching from MH to toad and back. Art

[arthurval]

Just an update, received the latest issue of Consumers Reports and it rated the Garmin Nuvi 350 in the #1 spot. art

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

How large is the screen on the Nuvi 350. I find in most of these units the screens are to small to be of much value in a motorhome. This would be a definite advantage on the Garmin 7200/7500.

[Brigadoon]

I have the 7200 in our MH. It works great. The best part is the large screen. No need to squint anymore! However, it may be a little on the large size for those who want to transfer it to a car, such as the original poster of this thread.

Also on the 7200, you can specify your vehicle type, such as car, bus, etc. This should help as far as route selection is concerned. I say should since I've not had the opportunity to test this out.

[arthurval]

Garmin Nuvi 350 screen size is 2.8" wide x 2.1" high. In my limited use so far I tend to rely on the voice prompts mainly. The screen size seems fine for me and the portability is a great feature. It also will run on internal battery power for 4 to 6 hrs.(without any wiring connections). Hope this post is useful to some folks. Art